Brandon Graham Retires After 15 Historic Seasons with the Eagles
In a heartfelt farewell on Tuesday, defensive end Brandon Graham, the man behind one of the most unforgettable moments in Eagles history, announced his retirement after a remarkable 15 seasons in the NFL. Graham, a first-round draft pick from Michigan in 2010, not only carved out an impressive career in Philadelphia but also etched his name into the franchise’s lore.
With a staggering 206 regular-season games under his belt—more than any other player in Eagles history—Graham ranks third all-time in sacks for the team with 76.5. In front of family, teammates, coaches, and friends gathered in the team’s auditorium, Graham emotional recounted his journey, flanked by the two Lombardi Trophies he helped bring to Philadelphia.
“You all know I gave everything I had in this,” Graham said, his voice breaking as he fought back tears. “I don’t have no regrets.”
Looking back at the young man who first arrived in Philadelphia, full of dreams and ambitions, Graham reflected on the challenges he faced: “I walked into this city as a young man with dreams—big dreams—nervous but with a whole lot of fire in my heart. I had no idea back then what this journey would bring. I didn’t know how many times I’d be tested, how much I would grow, or how deeply I would fall in love with these fans and this city.”
One of the highlights of his career—and the moment that truly cemented his legacy—came during Super Bowl LII, when Graham made the game-altering strip sack of Tom Brady in the final moments of the game. This crucial play ensured the Eagles triumphed over the New England Patriots and captured their first Lombardi Trophy. It’s a moment that elevated him to icon status in Philadelphia and marked a significant turnaround after many viewed him as a draft bust due to an injury-plagued early career.
With a grin, Graham reminisced about that play, saying, “That’s always going to be a good one. A Michigan guy against another Michigan guy. It was a big moment in my career, and that’s where I felt like things started to get even better from that point on.”
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie paid tribute to Graham in a statement: “Brandon Graham is the embodiment of everything you want in a Philadelphia Eagle. It was the way he played the game and the way he carried himself that earned him the love and respect of his coaches, teammates, and fans.”
Graham’s accolades continued to grow over the years, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2020, and a standout season in 2022 where he posted his first double-digit sack total with 11. While this past season initially appeared to be a retirement tour, he quickly became a key player under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, emerging as the team’s most effective edge rusher.
Unfortunately, a torn triceps in late November against the Los Angeles Rams cut his season short. After the game, Graham announced he would miss the rest of the season, though he continued to work hard behind the scenes to rehab. His efforts paid off as he returned in time for the decisive Super Bowl LIX, where the Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs, adding a fairy-tale ending to his already impressive career.
“If I didn’t make it back to the Super Bowl, I probably wouldn’t be up here right now,” Graham shared. “I promise you, I’d be begging to come back for one more. But I was happy to be able to make it back, to put that uniform on one last time in a big moment, on the big stage. Being able to be a part of that—that was all I needed to know. I feel like my prayers were answered, being able to come back and be with them boys one last time.”
Brandon Graham leaves behind an indelible mark on the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL as a whole, his journey a testament to resilience, dedication, and love for the game. As he steps away from the field, Eagles fans will forever cherish the memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind.
